If you love the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie and the gooey decadence of cinnamon rolls, this recipe is the best of both worlds. These Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls bring together soft, fluffy rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and packed with a sweet apple filling. They’re topped with a simple glaze and optional crunchy pecans for the perfect finishing touch.
This is a great treat for chilly mornings, fall baking, brunch spreads, or even dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Bonus: They’re much easier to make than they look!
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Dough:
- 1 homemade cinnamon roll dough recipe or 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional:
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Them
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook for about 7–8 minutes, until apples soften.
If you want a thicker filling, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook another minute or two. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let it cool.
2. Roll Out the Dough
If using homemade dough, roll into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. If using canned cinnamon rolls, carefully unroll into a flat sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Add the Filling
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using. Gently roll it up, starting from the long edge, then slice into 1.5-inch rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
4. Bake
Place rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them to rise. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
5. Glaze and Serve
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls and enjoy immediately.
Tips
- Want to prep ahead? Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
- Use tart apples for a nice flavor contrast.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or skip the nuts entirely.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake. They bring together everything we love about cozy baking—fluffy, cinnamon-swirled rolls filled with tender apples, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness.
They’re a great choice for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or when you just need a homemade treat that feels extra special. Each bite gives you soft dough, rich apple filling, and a touch of crunch from the nuts (if you choose to include them), all finished off with a sweet glaze that ties it all together.
One of the best parts? You can easily tweak the recipe. Try swapping the apples for pears, using maple glaze instead of vanilla, or leaving out the nuts for a smoother texture. However you make them, these rolls are sure to impress and bring a little extra warmth to your table.
Go ahead—treat yourself, share with loved ones, and enjoy every gooey, golden bite. You’ve earned it.
